Fantasy Tips - Zimbabwe vs Pakistan on July 18

Coming into these series on a five-match losing streak, Pakistan didn’t show any signs of nerves and managed to annihilate the hosts comprehensively in the first two ODIs. Another win for the visitors will seal the 5-match series for them and for that to not happen, Zimbabwe has to come up with a herculean performance. Pakistan currently have a compact side and they look strong in every department. In the bowling unit, they have players like Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan, who’ve been terrorizing batting lineups. Their batsmen too are doing a phenomenal job too, making them one of the contenders for the World Cup next year. Zimbabwe should try and give their best shot at least in one department, either batting or bowling. In both the games, their batters and bowlers got hammered which eventually led to two defeats. It’s hard from their perspective to turn things around, but there’s always scope for a miracle in sports and Zimbabwe has a great history in that aspect.

Best economical pick – Usman Khan has done exceedingly well in his short international career so far, picking up 12 wickets in four ODIs. Six of them have come in Bulawayo, 2/21 and 4/36 in the two games. And four of them have been top-three wickets. Zimbabwe have to survive his charge at the top.

Top captains & vice captains –Fakhar Zaman is well on course to become the fastest ever to reach 1,000 runs in ODI cricket to surpass the great Sir Vivian Richards. His form off-late has been sublime and cricket seems easy when he gets going this way. He needs 273 runs in his next 4 innings to achieve that great record and certainly, all eyes will be on him when he comes out to bat. Hamilton Masakadza right now is the senior most player in the team and has to step up with the bat. He already demoted himself to an important number 3 position for the team’s betterment and if he can get a big score, Zimbabwe can make the visitors work hard for their prize.

Smart pick – The architects of the two wins for Pakistan have been the opening batsmen, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. Imam led the way with a 134-ball 128 in first ODI. Then made 44 in 51 to take Pakistan past Zimbabwe’s 194 in just 36 overs in second ODI.

Cautious Pick – The Zimbabwean bowling unit failed to pick up a single wicket in the second ODI and the only wicket they took in the second game was a runout. Wellington Masakadza, the left-arm spinner went for 61 runs of his 10 overs.